Modular tiling installation hand tool

ABSTRACT

A handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm. A receiving channel included in the carrier arm. A plurality of flange openings in the receiving channel being wider and extending deeper into the carrier arm than the receiving channel. A flange slot included in the carrier arm adjacent each of the flange openings and recessed from the receiving channel. An attachment unit having an attachment rail including a base rail running along a portion of a top side of the attachment unit. A plurality of securing flanges positioned on the base rail that project laterally outward and above the base rail. The securing flanges being received into the flange openings and the base rail being received into the receiving channel so that a sliding movement of the carrier arm along the attachment rail directs the securing flanges into and out of the flange slots.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims all the benefits of priority from U.S.provisional application No. 61/489,312 filed May 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a modular hand tool for tiling, and moreparticularly, to a hand tool with a removable handle assembly havinginterchangeable tool components for receiving multiple tool attachmentsincluding a tool attachment having a measuring section and a notchedtrowel section.

2) Description of Related Art

When installing tile, there are multiple tools that are required for aproper installation. Some of the tools required include a notched trowel(with various notch sizes), knee pads, tile nippers, margin trowel,grout float (of various sizes), sponges, just to name a few. During theinstallation of tile, several steps are universally needed for properinstallation. These needed steps include spreading adhesive. A notchedtrowel is used to spread adhesive. The selection of the notched trowelis depending upon the type of adhesive used.

The type of trowel used for a particular tile installation depends onthe kind of adhesive material used and on the size and type of tilebeing installed. While each installation must be consideredindividually, there are a few general guidelines to follow in choosing aspecific trowel type. Notched trowels provide a bead (or ribbed) patternwhich helps provide a uniform thickness of material and full contactwith the tile. Small sized, smooth-backed tiles such as ceramic mosaicsdo not require as much adhesive and, therefore, a smaller notched depthcan be used. Larger tiles with patterned or uneven backs require athicker adhesive layer and, therefore, a trowel with a larger depthnotch should be selected. Non-absorbent tiles have no suction and,therefore, require enough mortar/adhesive to grip their edges as well astheir backs. V-notched trowels are usually used with mastic adhesiveswhich are not sanded and can be readily compressed when tiles areinstalled. Square-notched trowels are usually used with sanded, thin-setadhesives (mortars) because the square ribs of mortar break open easilyduring the beating-in process and give better contact. Typically,trowels are manufactured from a metal.

Therefore, when installing tile, there is a need for a variety oftrowels based upon the particular installation requiring that severaltrowels be purchased.

Once the tile is set and adhered to the floor (or tile backing installedon the floor), grout is applied to fill the spaces between the tiles.Grout is mixed and applied directly into the spaces between the tilestypically using a grout float. The grout float is an installation toolthat has a plate and a resilient pad (typically sponge rubber) attachedto the plate for spreading grout across tile and between the spaces.When selecting a grout float, different weights and varieties are useddepending on the type of grout and the size of the grout joint. Forexample, a standard grout float is for most standard and non-sandedgrout applications; a large grout float provides for greater coverage;an offset grout float allows reaching for hard-to-reach areas; a margingrout float for small jobs, repairs or hard-to-reach areas; stone groutfloat for natural stone and textured surfaces; and an epoxy grout floatfor hard-to-spread grout types. Again, multiple grout floats arerequired based upon the particular type of tile installation beingperformed.

When installing tile, it is common, and highly recommended, that theinstallation start from the center of the room. A chalk line is markedand snapped to the floor marking from the exact center of the room toeach of the walls in a perpendicular (cross) arrangement. Next, adhesiveis spread on a portion of the floor. Only a portion receives adhesive ata time due to the quick drying time of tile adhesive. Therefore, it isadvantageous to predetermine a measured area to apply tile (for examplea 2×2 foot area). The adhesive spread area can be determined throughmeasuring the 2×2 area with a carpenter's square, ruler or othermeasuring device. When the tile is placed on the adhesive, inevitablythere will be the need to cut a tile to fit in the last line between afull sized tile and the wall. Again, it would be advantageous to have ameasuring device to determine what size the tile should be cut to fitbetween the last line of tiles and the wall. Unfortunately, this processrequires that the installer drop the adhesive tool, pick up a measuringdevice and measure the tile size for cutting.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is provide for a tiletool that allows for multiple sizes and types of trowels and groutfloats to be removably attached to a single handle assembly so that theneed to purchase a multitude of completely independent trowels tools andfloats is eliminated.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tile toolthat includes a measuring device on a trowel, eliminating the need for aseparate measuring tool in exchange for another when new functionalityis needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are accomplished according to the present inventionby providing a modular tiling installation hand tool comprising a handleassembly having a handle and a carrier arm; a receiving channel includedin the carrier arm that extends generally along the entire length of abottom side of the carrier arm; a plurality of flange openings disposedin the receiving channel being wider and extending deeper into thecarrier arm than adjacent portions of the receiving channel; a flangeslot included in the carrier arm adjacent each of the flange openingsand being recessed from the receiving channel; an attachment unitreleasably connecting to the handle assembly; an attachment rail carriedby the attachment unit including a base rail running along a portion ofa top side of the attachment unit; a plurality of securing flangespositioned along the base rail that project laterally outward and abovethe base rail to define a generally T-rail shape arrangement between thesecuring flanges and base rail; and, wherein, the securing flanges arereceived into the flange openings and the base rail is received into thereceiving channel so that a sliding movement of the carrier arm alongthe attachment rail directs the securing flanges into and out of theflange slots to secure and release, respectively, the handle assemblyfrom the attachment unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit is a trowelblade.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one edge of the trowelblade includes measurement markings.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the attachment unit is a groutfloat.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the carrier arm includes afastener engaging the attachment rail for resisting movement between thecarrier arm and the attachment rail.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastener is defined by athreaded port disposed in the carrier arm receiving a set screw, whereina distal end of the set screw engages the attachment rail to resistmovement of the attachment rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter bedescribed, together with other features thereof. The invention will bemore readily understood from a reading of the following specificationand by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the invention showing a removablyattached handle assembly on a square notched trowel that includes ameasuring imprint on the trowel according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an alternative embodiment perspective view of the inventionshowing a removably attached handle assembly on a grout float accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trowel assembly and grout floatassembly with the handle assembly removed according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3 is a bottom view of the removable handle assembly showing thereceiving channel according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section view along section line 4A in FIG. 3according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view along section line 4B in FIG. 3according to the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a cross-section view along section line 4C in FIG. 3according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the attachment rail of the tool according tothe present invention; and,

FIGS. 6A through 6C are side views illustrating the attachment rail ofthe tool being inserted into the receiving channel of the handleassembly according to the present invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may notapply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention.As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative withrespect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects andfeatures of the invention will become more fully apparent when thefollowing detailed description is read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are not restrictive of the invention or other alternateembodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention isdescribed herein with reference to one or more specific embodiments, itwill be appreciated that the description is illustrative of theinvention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Variousmodifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in theart, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1A, a modular tiling tool is shown generally as A inwhich an attachment unit in the form of a trowel blade 24 is releasablycarried by a handle assembly, designated generally as 13. In theillustrated embodiment, trowel blade 24 includes notched adhesiveapplication edges 10 and 12. The notched edges can be constructed andarranged in a variety of shapes and sized for adhesive application as isknown in the art. The present invention further improves on the art byalso including a measuring tool imprint along measuring edges 14 and 16providing incremental markings for measuring items without the need fora separate tool or attachment blade. Measuring edges 14 and 16 alsoserve as flat adhesive application edges. With further reference to FIG.1B, an alternative arrangement is shown in which the trowel blade 24 ofFIG. 1A is replaced by different attachment unit in the form of a groutfloat, designated generally as 32.

The handle assembly 13 includes a handle 18 mounted to a carrier arm 20.With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, carrier arm 20 cooperates withan attachment rail 15 of the attachment unit (trowel blade 24 or groutfloat 32) for releasably securing the attachment unit to the handleassembly. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1B, a fastener 22is provided along carrier arm 20 for assisting in securing carrier arm20 to attachment rail 15 of the trowel blade 24 or grout float 32. Inthe illustrated embodiment, fastener 22 consists of a set screw receivedin a threaded port 40 in carrier arm 20. The set screw 22 and port 40are constructed and arranged so that a distal end of set screw 22engages and press against attachment rail 15 to resist movement ofattachment rail 15 in relation to carrier arm 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, trowel blade 24 and grout float 32 are shownwithout handle assembly 13 to show attachment rail 15. Attachment rail15 is affixed to a top side of the attachment unit, be it a trowel blade24, grout float 32 or other type of tool. With further reference to FIG.5, attachment rail 15 includes a base rail 17 running along a portion ofthe top side of the attachment unit. A series of longitudinally spacedsecuring flanges 28 a-28 c are positioned along base rail 17 thatproject laterally outward and above base rail 17. As shown in FIG. 5,this provides for a generally T-rail shape from the end view. Theattachment rail 15 cooperates with carrier arm 20 allowing for thehandle assembly to be attached to any number of trowel blades or groutfloats, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate trowels andgrout floats.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4C, carrier arm 20 of handle assembly 13 isshown in more detail. Carrier arm 20 includes a receiving channel 19that extends generally along the entire length of a bottom side ofcarrier arm 20. Receiving channel 19 received base rail 17 of attachmentrail 15 (see FIGS. 6A-6C). A plurality of flange openings 38 a-38 c areincluded in receiving channel 19 for receiving securing flanges 28 a-28c. The flange openings 38 a-38 c are wider and deeper into carrier arm20 than the other portions of receiving channel 19 to accommodate thelateral projection of securing flanges 28 a-28 c so that base rail 17can be fully received into receiving channel 19. Adjacent flangeopenings 38 a-38 c and recessed from receiving channel 19 are aplurality of flange slots 21 a-21 c. Once securing flanges 28 a-28 c arereceived into flange openings 38 a-38 c, carrier arm 20 slides alongbase rail 17 so that securing flanges 28 a-28 c are received into flangeslots 21 a-21 c. The attachment unit is then secured to the handleassembly. Fastener 22 can then be inserted and received in threadedopening 40 for engaging attachment rail 15 to resist movement betweencarrier arm 20 and attachment rail 15.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, in the illustrated embodiment, to securehandle assembly 13 to the attachment unit 24, 38, the securing flanges28 a-28 c are aligned and received into flange openings 38 a-38 c. Whensecuring flanges 28 a-28 c are fully inserted into flange openings 38a-38 c, base rail 17 is received into receiving channel 19. Once inposition, carrier arm 20 or attachment rail 15 moved to slide relativeto the other so that securing flanges 28 a-28 c are received into flangeslots 21 a-21 c, respectively. Fastener 22 is turned to engageattachment rail 15 and prevent unwanted separation between carrier arm20 and attachment rail 15. By sliding the carrier arm 20 or attachmentrail 15 in the opposite direction, the handle assembly can be removedfrom the attachment unit 24, 32. Accordingly a modular hand tool systemis provided for tiling tools.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described usingspecific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, andit is to be understood that changes and variations may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular tiling installation hand toolcomprising: a handle assembly having a handle and a carrier arm; areceiving channel included in said carrier arm that extends generallyalong the entire length of a bottom side of said carrier arm; aplurality of flange openings disposed in said receiving channel beingwider and extending deeper into said carrier arm than adjacent portionsof said receiving channel; a flange slot included in said carrier armadjacent each of said flange openings and being recessed from saidreceiving channel; an attachment unit releasably connecting to saidhandle assembly; an attachment rail carried by said attachment unitincluding a base rail running along a portion of a top side of saidattachment unit; a plurality of securing flanges positioned along saidbase rail that project laterally outward and above said base rail todefine a generally T-rail shape arrangement between said securingflanges and base rail; and, wherein, said securing flanges are receivedinto said flange openings and said base rail is received into saidreceiving channel so that a sliding movement of said carrier arm alongsaid attachment rail directs said securing flanges into and out of saidflange slots to secure and release, respectively, said handle assemblyfrom said attachment unit.
 2. The modular hand tool of claim 1 whereinsaid attachment unit is a trowel blade.
 3. The modular hand tool ofclaim 2 wherein at least one edge of said trowel blade includesmeasurement markings.
 4. The modular hand tool of claim 1 wherein saidattachment unit is a grout float.
 5. The modular hand tool of claim 1wherein said carrier arm includes a fastener engaging said attachmentrail for resisting movement between said carrier arm and said attachmentrail.
 6. The modular hand tool of claim 5 wherein said fastener isdefined by a threaded port disposed in said carrier arm receiving a setscrew, wherein a distal end of said set screw engages said attachmentrail to resist movement of said attachment rail.
 7. A modular tilinginstallation hand tool comprising: a handle assembly having a handle anda carrier arm; a receiving channel included in said carrier arm; aplurality of flange openings disposed in said receiving channel; aflange slot included in said carrier arm adjacent each of said flangeopenings and being recessed from said receiving channel; an attachmentunit including an attachment rail having a base rail mounted to saidattachment unit, and a plurality of securing flanges positioned alongsaid base rail project outwardly from said base rail; wherein saidsecuring flanges are received into said flange openings and said baserail is received into said receiving channel so that a sliding movementof said carrier arm along said attachment rail directs said securingflanges into and out of said flange slots for releasably interconnectingsaid handle assembly to said attachment unit; and, a fastener disposedon said carrier arm releasably engaging said attachment rail forresisting movement between said carrier arm and said attachment rail,wherein said fastener is defined by a threaded port disposed in saidcarrier arm receiving a set screw, and wherein a distal end of said setscrew engages said attachment rail to resist movement of said attachmentrail.